Hull City Council's planning committee has twice rejected applications for extension to the shops at Kingswood. Following an appeal by the Kia Group, the Planning Inspectorate held and inquiry into the decision and has reported the outcome to dismiss the appeal.

Councillor Martin Mancey, portfolio holder with responsibility for planning, said: “I am satisfied with the Planning Inspector’s decision to uphold our refusal of the application to extend Ashcombe Road shops, part of the Kingswood development. Our initial decision to refuse this application has been made in accordance with the Kingswood Area Action Plan and Local Plan 2016-2032, which does not allocate this site for retail purposes given that there are already sufficient opportunities to meet these needs within the city centre.

"It is essential as a Council that we take bold decisions to ensure the city centre continues to thrive in the years ahead; safeguarding the current city centre retail offer, city centre businesses and the jobs of those employed therein. It is important that we protect our investment in the public realm and plan to support our vision for further enhancing the city centre with our plans for the Albion Square redevelopment - which will make a major contribution to the city’s attractiveness as a retail and visitor destination.”

The report highlights that extension to Kingswood retail park would have a significant adverse consequence for existing and committed investment in the city centre and for planned investment there, as set out in the newly adopted Local Plan. It also notes that there would be adverse impact on North Point District Centre and Beverley Town Centre. The proposed Kingswood development would also contravene the site’s allocation for employment and community uses outlined in the Kingswood Area Action Plan.

The report refers to the existing investment the Council has made in public realm works in the city as well as public investment in The Venue, and the work undertaken to stimulate private investment including the delivery of the Albion Square development. The Inquiry states that this investment risks being made partially ineffective, should the appeal scheme divert a substantial part of the demand for modem comparison retail floor space by attracting operators that would otherwise have occupied these city centre sites.